Ativan with respiratory issues?

[Raul_Chicago]

Hi all,
Ok, quick synopsis then my question. My dad was diagnosed with ALS this month, he has seen 2 neuros and his PCP. Two weeks ago my dad was very anxious so my mom called his PCP and he prescribed Ativan. I told her not to give it to him since it would relax his muscles even further and breathing is the main issue. He has not taken them, but today he is very anxious and his fasiculations are on overdrive. She wants to give him the Ativan. My sister said no, I said no, even the ALS Specialist that he saw last week said no. He is not on BiPap (within the next week he will be), and I am not with them all day long to control it. What if she gives him the Ativan, could she really be screwing him up? I know she cares, but she is stubborn and thinks she is a pharmacist sometimes. Any insight would help.

Raul

 

[trfogey]

Sorry to hear about your dad's problems, Raul. The only advice I can give you is follow the ALS specialist's recommendations. Your dad's PCP really has no business prescribing those kinds of medicines without consulting with the neuros about your father's situation. Anxiety and fasciculations aren't pleasant, but they can be tolerated. However, having your doctors doing their own things without consulting each other can be dangerous.

You may need to have one of the "get everybody on the same page" meetings in your family as well.

 

[joelc]

I agree with trfogey, follow the ALS specialists recommendations and don't give it to him. It could cause even more severe problems.

 

[DgtofTNfan]

I would call and speak with the ALS specialist regarding other medications that can decrease anxiety that he can take. He is anxious and she is there with him so she is anxious too so it needs to be addressed. There are other medications with less respiratory side effects available and the ALS doc should help with this.

Hope he can get something that helps soon.

 

[Raul_Chicago]

Thank you all.........much appreciated.

Raul

 

[Katie C]

Extreme anxiety is more than just unpleasant.. it significantly effects quality of life. Glen could not take Atavan, but his neuro worked with his psychiatrist to find a combination of anti-psychotic and anti-depressent medications that took care of the anxiety. Your dad doesn't need to just tough it out.. his docs need to work together to find what works for him.

 

[Al]

If he took the ativan in the daytime I don't think it would hurt depending on the dosage. Sleeping with it and no Bipap is a whole different thing. Not a good idea. Anxiety is not fun. I speak from experience.

AL.

 

[adkdreams]

Ok I am reading this and questioning Don takes Ativan two times day for anxiety and it was prescribed from the ALS Clinic. Is this not a recommended med? Confused. He seems to be ok on it he is only on Bipap at night.

 

[Miss]

We have ativan, and my husband has taken a few. We are heading to the ALS clinic today. I'll try to remember to ask.

 

[Al]

My Pulmo has approved me to use up to 6mg to get to sleep if needed. She says as long as I'm on the Bipap I'll keep breathing and won't die.

AL.